Download PDFA shack was burnt down in the township of Motsoaledi in Soweto on 26 August 2024. According to reports, it is suspected that the cause of the fire is the illegal connection of electricity by some members within the community. This happened after they had implemented load reduction and when the electricity came back, it had huge power where the cables caught fire and burnt the shack down.
Themba Mabunda, the shack owner, said, “Luckily the were no kids or any person in the shack when everything started burning down.” Mabunda also explained that he lost all his belongings and important documents. He also believes that this is a warning to everyone who illegally connects, saying a safer connection is needed. He also said that he believes that even though illegal connections can lead to death, and destroy people’s lives, everyone needs and deserves to have electricity in the township.
To stop illegal connections, the government must provide electricity for everyone.
It’s devastating to lose your belongings. People must be careful when using candles and gas stoves to avoid fires.
This article was submitted on 28 August 2024. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
